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7/10/2024
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LaMountain, Voas bill to make it illegal to charge seniors for paper invoices becomes law
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STATE HOUSE — Gov. Dan McKee has signed legislation introduced by Sen. Matthew L. LaMountain and Rep. Brandon T. Voas that makes it illegal to charge fees to senior citizens for paper invoices.
The Senior Savings Protection Act (2024-S 2278A, 2024-H 7940A) prohibits the charging of any fees to a person who is 65 years of age or older for a hard-copy paper bill, invoice or statement. A violation of this provision is a deceptive trade practice subject to a $500 fine.
“A large segment of the over-65 population is uncomfortable with online payments and digital banking,” said Senator LaMountain (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston). “Many don’t even have access to the devices they need to utilize these digital services. They should not be charged a fee simply to receive a bill.”
“There are still many senior citizens who have no Internet access,” said Representative Voas (D-Dist. 57, Cumberland, Central Falls). “This makes paperless billing a great challenge for them. A fee exemption for those over 65 would maintain our commitment to a greener billing process without forcing senior citizens to use a technology they may not be comfortable with.”
The law takes effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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